Davis, one of the night's two honorees along with Quincy Jones, expressed his support for the star, with whom he is working on a new album.

"She's been through emotional trauma, and everybody's rooting for her," he told USA Today. "We're going to make a killer album."American Idol alum Katharine McPhee acknowledged Houston's presence at the event by performing the singer's hit "I Have Nothing."

"It's her first big appearance since the breakup," McPhee told reporters as she arrived. "I would love to sing with her, but unfortunately all eyes are on me."

Though Houston did not take the stage, she showed her approval of McPhee's song choice by nodding along to the performance and leading a standing ovation at the conclusion, USA Today reported.

The Grammy-winning singer formally filed for divorce from Brown earlier this month in Orange County Superior Court, one month after she filed for a legal separation.

In her separation documents, Houston requested custody of the couple's 13-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, with visitation rights for Brown.

Over the course of their 14-year marriage, the couple endured a trial separation and rumors of infidelity, drug addiction and domestic abuse, as well as stints in jail for Brown and rehab for Houston.

However, Houston's friends and supporters have said the singer is ready to make a comeback and reestablish herself as the reigning diva of the music world.

"She's made a decision to turn her life around, and I'm just praying for her. She's been clean and clear for months now, and I just know she's going to explode," Denzel Washington told Access Hollywood.

Davis also has high expectations for Houston.

"We're all excited because, after all, everyone in our industry knows that she and Aretha [Franklin] are the best singers in the world today," the music mogul told People.